Several severe storms coming through. Lots of power out, trees down, hail, strong winds, lightening. So far no damage to our house. Wow, can't believe that one just now didn't kill the power.
Report just now, tornado touched down in Benton, that's about four miles from us. Front is moving at 55 miles mph, wind gusts to 90!
Getting to the middle of house now.

Praying that you made it through the night with no problems ...
Update?

Don, hoping you are safe and protected from this stretch of nasty weather.
JM

Don stay safe.....this weather is nasty for sure this week.

Everything is o.k. Thanks. Lots of power outage around, and quite a bit of wind damage but none to us.
My arrangers are o.k., so that makes this post relevant.

Several houses totally destroyed about four miles from me. So far, no injuries to anyone have been reported. I'm going out shortly to pick up patrol vehicle and help with traffic control while they start clean up.
I have a good friend who lives in the area hit hardest and he isn't answering his phone. I hope he and his family are o.k.

Ready to go!
[img:center]https://app.box.com/s/ixukvkz4yk6oqpp3l30puwo2of76warv[/img]

IMPRESSIVE !!!

Fastest Ford Explorer you'll ever see!

I heard it caught Maybelline in that Coupe De Ville ...

Don, You are a man of many talents. Glad to hear you are safe!

My HERO!!!

Thanks. It's an auxiliary unit, but still have extensive training, including high-speed obstacle course driving test each year. So far I can still pass. Fortunately no running involved.
I've been doing this for eleven years now.

Relating to arrangers...
I started doing this because the former Sheriff asked me to. I was playing for some of the department's functions. After that I played for ALL the department's functions. They normal have about four parties a year for the deputies.
Last week the present Sheriff was installed as president of the state organization and there was a celebration dinner which I played for. He was kind enough to tell everyone that not only was I a great entertainer but a great LEO.
After the function they asked if I could come to Baton Rouge in December and play for the Christmas party. Of course I said yes.
The work for the Sheriff's office is every bit as gratifying as the music.
It's getting more dangerous these days though, like driving around with a target on your car. But our Parish (County everywhere else) has the lowest crime rate in the state. I take full credit for that of course.
Doing this while watching a road they are clearing of debris...the prisoners in the Medium and Minimum Security prisons like things like this because they get out of jail for a while to work!

Just curious, but is the vehicle provided by you or the Parrish?

No, you, silly

By the Parish. They supply everything for us. We previously had Crown Victorias but I like the Explorers a lot better. The department also has some Tahoes and Dodge Durangos but our unit uses the Explorers. There are still a few of the Crown Vics in service but when they hit 150,000 or so they replace them. The department has a full service garage with state of the art equipment to maintain all the vehicles. Also, boats, all-terrain vehicles, high-wheel flood vehicles and a semi-tank like riot control armored unit!. Ready for anything! We even have our own set of gas pumps and access cards. When the units get a little dirty we just pull up and prisoners wash them inside and out!
The dept. has a special Drone unit now, and it is very useful for tracking suspects where it is difficult for officers or even dogs to access. I just saw a video a Drone made this morning showing the path of the tornado for several miles. Looks like a giant mower cut a path through the trees, and unfortunately some houses as well.

More explanation... the Sheriff's department has such state of the art facilities and equipment because it is so well funded. In addition to monies earmarked for us from the local casinos, and support from the State, there are three prisons which house inmates from across the country, even some government prisoners, and they all are funded by the organizations sending them.
Plus there is a huge training facility where Law Enforcement Officers from all over the state come for training--another source of income.
The prisoners grow most of their own food on farms on the property. Most would rather go out and work in the fields than be confined all day.
It's a top-notch operation!

Update if anyone cares... more than 17,000 people without power, including a number of businesses in Bossier City and Benton. Haven't heard about Shreveport, which is in Caddo Parish, but the worst of the storm was on our side of the river.
More than 100,000 out in Arkansas!
The radio is busy today!
Woops gotta be out for a while.

Don, it feels good hearing that there is another part of your life that brings good feelings (Joy) Knowing you, I knew there had to be more happening in your life----—more opportunities to help someone.
John C.